Front-end Troubles ('58 Beetle)

[cbbond]

To Whom It May Concern:

I have problematic front-end in my '58 vw beetle. Symptoms:
(1) Too much play in steering wheel (especially when hitting bumps in the road); (2) The high winds will push my beetle all over the road; (3 related to #1) Beetle is hard to control when road is rough...

It appears that there are some worn out components in my front-end. Someone mentioned that I need work done on the 'king-pins'. Others say that I have worn out ball joints, but I don't think that my model has ball joints. What kind of parts and or repair do I need to correct this problem.

Any words of wisdom out there on this topic?

Thanks,

Casey

[boschmann]

You are correct it doesn't have ball joints, just king & link pins. You can jack the car by the frame & rock each wheel by grabbing it at the top & bottom. Look at the pins to see if the play is there. If it something you want to try yourself get a good manual like Bentley. You might also want to see if the rubber disc between the steering box & steering shaft is intact. There could also be play in the box itself.